Monitor for an effluent disposal system

ABSTRACT

A monitor for an effluent disposal system for preventing suspended solids in an effluent from clogging a disposal field. A separate monitor housing having an inlet and an outlet is installed in the piping interconnecting a septic tank to a disposal field. A screening system in the housing screens out suspended solids. As the solids accumulate on the screening system over a period of time, the fluid level raises, actuating a float operated switch connected to means to signal that the system needs servicing. An additional float operated switch can be provided for indicating saturation of the disposal field.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to a monitor for a septic or effluent disposalsystem, and more particularly pertains to such a monitor for preventingclogging of an effluent disposal field by solids suspended in theeffluent.

Effluent disposal systems have a tendency to clog over a period of time,eventually rendering the system useless. The time period until thesystem clogs depends upon the usage by the individuals in the household.Once a system becomes clogged, the property owner is forced to have anew disposal system installed, which entails much inconvenience andexpense.

Septic systems generally comprise a septic tank and effluent disposalfield interconnected by piping. The effluent disposal field comprisesperforated pipes (having e.g. one-half inch openings) embedded in graveland buried beneath the surface of the earth. Effluent fluids pass fromthe septic tank through the interconnecting pipe and to the effluentdisposal field, where the fluid leaches into the surrounding gravel andearth.

The problem which generally causes clogging of the septic system is whatcan be referred to as "suspended solids" in the effluent. Thesesuspended solids are almost invisible in the effluent and are located inthe septic tank fluid between the layer of solids at the bottom of thetank and the outlet pipe to the effluent disposal field. As the layer ofsolids on the bottom of the tank become deeper, as it will in time, thelayer of suspended solids is moved upwards into a more concentrated areain the tank. Eventually, the suspended solids move along with theeffluent out of the septic tank through the interconnecting piping intothe effluent disposal field and begin the process of clogging thesystem.

There have been some prior art efforts at providing traps or monitors inseptic tanks themselves. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,025,962 disclosesa photocell arrangement for monitoring the sludge build-up layer in aseptic tank, so as to provide an indication when the sludge builds up toa level where it could flow out the septic tank outlet into the leachingbed. Such an arrangement, of course, would not be very effective withregard to suspended solids in an effluent, because the effluent with thesuspended solids therein is really more in the nature of a transparentmedium than opaque such as a sludge.

As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,332,552 discloses a trap arrangementfor incorporation within a septic tank itself. A signaling means isprovided in the septic tank adjacent the trap to provide an indicationwhen the trap clogs with sludge or undigested solids.

It should be appreciated that both of the constructions disclosed in thepatents referred to above relate to devices or mechanisms incorporatedwithin the septic tank itself. This entails at least two problems.First, septic tanks are conventionally buried at some distanceunderneath the surface of the earth, so that access to them for cleaninga trap for example, is not easy or convenient. Secondly, it would not beeasy or convenient to modify existing septic tanks to accommodate themechanisms disclosed in the above patents.

As another example of indicators for septic systems, U.S. Pat. No.3,954,612 discloses a float indicator to provide an indication of theliquid level in the leaching bed. Such a system does not really provideany indication of impending clogging of the system, however. Rather, itmerely shows when the gravel or earth of the leaching bed is saturatedwith water or fluid.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a monitor for a septic oreffluent disposal system which overcomes the disadvantages of the priorart.

More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide a septicsystem monitor for monitoring suspended solids in an effluent, so as toprevent clogging of the effluent disposal bed that would result from thesuspended solids being discharged therein.

It is another object of this invention to provide a septic systemmonitor which can be easily incorporated in existing septic systems, andin which access to and servicing of the monitoring apparatus isfacilitated.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, in an effluent disposalsystem which includes an upstream septic tank and a downstream effluentdisposal field, a septic monitor is interposed in the piping whichinterconnects the septic tank to the disposal field. The septic monitorcomprises a housing having an inlet and outlet for coupling to thepiping. Screening means is mounted in the housing for intercepting theeffluent flow therethrough. Suspended solids in the effluent arecollected on the upstream side of the screening means. Indicating meansis provided which is responsive to a predetermined accumulation ofsuspended solids on the screening means to provide an indication thatthe effluent disposal system requires servicing.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear fromthe following description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 through 4 show a conventional septic system consisting of aseptic tank connected to a piping to an effluent disposal field and showthe progress of the build-up of solids in the septic tank over theyears, leading to clogging of the effluent disposal bed by suspendedsolids.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a septic system incorporating themonitor of the present invention in the piping interconnecting theseptic tank to the effluent disposal field.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a monitor system in accordance with thepresent invention showing the arrangement of parts therein.

FIG. 7 is a front sectional elevation of another embodiment of theinvention incorporating two signaling means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1 through 4, FIG. 1illustrates a conventional septic system consisting of a septic tank 11,effluent disposal bed 12, and piping 13 interconnecting the two. Theseptic tank 11 has an inlet 14 and an outlet generally indicated byreference numeral 15. Adjacent the inlet and outlet of the septic tankare baffles 16 and 17 in accordance with conventional practice.

FIG. 1 illustrates the condition of such a septic system when it hasbeen in use for a relative short period of time, such as 0 to 3 years,for example. In such condition there will be a build-up of solids orsludge 18 to a relatively low level as indicated in FIG. 1 and theliquid level, as generally indicated by reference numeral 19, will be atthe level of the outlet 15.

FIG. 2 illustrates the same system after a longer time period haselapsed, such as 3 to 6 years, for example. As can be seen in FIG. 2,there is a deeper layer of solids or sludge, shown by level 18a. In anyseptic tank, there is a substance commonly known as suspended solids.The suspended solids are almost invisible and are located in the septictank fluid between the layer of solids at the bottom of the tank and theoutlet pipe to the effluent disposal field. As time goes on and thelayer of solids on the bottom of the septic tank becomes deeper, thelayer of suspended solids is moved upwards into a more concentrated areain the tank. The inevitable result is that eventually the suspendedsolids move, along with fluid, out of the septic tank into theconnecting pipe and the effluent disposal field. Thus begins the processof clogging the system. In FIG. 2, there is illustrated a build-up ofthese suspended solids indicated by reference numeral 21 in theinterconnecting pipe 13. As further shown in FIG. 2, this build-up ofthe suspended solids can extend into the perforated pipe 22 of theeffluent disposal field 12, occluding some of the openings orperforations therein and beginning clogging of the system. As also shownin FIG, 2, the build-up of suspended solids 21 in the interconnectingpipe 13 raises the liquid level in the septic tank to a higher level19a.

FIG. 3 shows the system of FIG. 2 some time later, such as after anelapsed time period of 2 to 3 additional years, in which the solids inthe septic tank have built up to a level 18b, causing a higher build-upof solids in the interconnecting pipe 13 to a level 21a, and alsocausing more extensive build-up of solids in the perforated pipe 22.Concurrently, because of the increased build-up in the interconnectingpipe 13 at the outlet 15 of septic 11, the liquid level in the septictank is raised to a higher level 19b.

FIG. 4 shows the condition of the system at a later date, such as 2 to 3years later than as shown in FIG. 3. Here, the solids have built up alevel 18c, so as to totally obstruct the outlet of the septic tank 11.The interconnecting pipe 13 is substantially blocked and at least majorportions of the perforated pipe 22 in the effluent disposal bed areclogged.

Once an effluent disposal system has reached the condition asillustrated in FIG. 4, the system is useless. The property owner isforced into having a new disposal system installed, which entails muchinconvenient and expense.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a diagrammatic view of a septicmonitoring arrangement in accordance with the present invention. Aseptic tank 23 is provided which has an inlet 24 coupled to the wasteplumbing of a house. The septic tank 23 has a baffle 26 adjacent theinlet 24 and a baffle 27 adjacent to an outlet 28. Piping 29 couples theoutlet 28 to an inlet 31 of monitor 30. Monitor 30 also has an outlet 32connected by piping 33 to perforated pipe 34 buried in an effluentdisposal field 36. In accordance with one aspect of conventionalpractice, the perforated pipe 34 may be connected to a vent system 37which extends above the ground surface 38.

The monitor 30 comprises a housing generally shown in FIG. 5 ascomprising housing portions 39, 40 and 41. Preferably, the housing forthe monitor is provided in a basic housing portion 39, with verticallystackable housing portions such as 40 and 41 being provided insufficient number to extend the housing adjacent to the ground surface38. Such an arrangement facilitates access to the housing portion 39 forperiodic servicing, as discussed in more detail hereafter. Although twoadditional vertically stackable segments 40 and 41 are shown in FIG. 5,obviously more or less could be used depending upon how many verticallystackable housing portions are necessary to reach from the buriedmonitor location to adjacent the ground surface. In accordance with theinvention, the housing portions 39, 40 and 41 are made of a noncorrosive material, such as plastic, for example, and may be provided ontheir mating edges with tongue and groove arrangements for assemblingone to the other in a convenient manner.

Inside the housing member 39 there is disposed a baffle 42 adjacentinlet 31. A baffle 43 is disposed adjacent outlet 32 and a screen 44 issuitably mounted between inlet 31 and outlet 32. A float operatedswitch, comprising for example, a float member 46 and electricalcontacts 47 and 48, is suitably rigidly mounted, such as by attachmentto baffle 42, in housing 39 upstream of the screen 44.

With particular reference to FIG. 6, it can be seen that the electricalcontacts 47 and 48 are suitably connected as by wire 49 to an electricalfeedthrough 51 located in a wall of housing portion 39. Asdiagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 6, electrical connection is made tothe outside of the electrical feedthrough 51 for connection to a remotesource of power and signaling arrangement. For example, the two wires 52can be connected in a series circuit comprising a battery or othersource of power and a simple electrical light located in a dwelling.

In operation, as effluent containing suspended solids is admitted over aperiod of time through inlet 31, the suspended solids are screened orfiltered by screening means 44, so that only clear effluent relativelyfree from solids passes through screen 44 and outlet 32 to the effluentdisposal field. Over a period of time, if there are suspended solids inthe effluent flowing through inlet 31, they will become coated on screen44. This coating of solids on screen 44 will cause the fluid level inthe housing portion 39 to rise on the inlet side of screen 44. As thefluid level rises, the float member 46 will be carried upward by therising fluid level, so that electrical contact 47 makes contact withelectrical contact 48. This completes an electrical circuit and lights,for example, an indicator light located in the dwelling. When thisoccurs the homeowner will know that it is time to have the septic tankpumped out because suspended solids are being carried out of the septictank into the interconnecting piping. At that time also, the screen 44can be removed to either clean and reinstall it or to replace it if itis not in a reasonable condition.

Of course, various modifications are possible to the preferredembodiment shown in FIG. 6 without departing from the spirit andprinciples of the invention. For example, instead of only having onescreen 44 of a constant mesh, a series of screens of varying mesh couldbe removably mounted within the housing portion 39. Also, instead ofhaving a simple single pole, single throw float operated switch, a morecomplicated switching arrangement could be utilized. For example, athird electrical contact could be provided that normally makes contactwith the electrical contact on which the float member is mounted. Inthis manner, one electrical circuit, to a green indicator light, forexample, could be activated with the float switch in its normalposition. Upon occurrence of a rising fluid level in the monitor, thefloat switch would then disconnect that circuit to the green light andcomplete another circuit connected to, for example, a red light. Variousother modifications are, of course, possible.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated another embodiment of thepresent invention in which two separate signaling means are utilized. InFIG. 7, a housing member 53 is illustrated as having a cover or lid 54attached thereto through a tongue and groove arrangement generallyindicated by reference numeral 55. As previously discussed, furtherhousing members or segments can be vertically stacked on housing member53 through mating tongue and groove arrangements with the lid or cover54 being affixed to the topmost housing member. The housing member 53has an inlet 56 and an outlet 57. A baffle 58 is positioned adjacent theinlet 56 and a baffle 59 is positioned adjacent the outlet 57. A screen61 is positioned within the housing 53 and suitably supported by screensupports 62 and 63. As before, a float operated switch comprising floatmember 64, electrical contact 65, and electrical contact 66 is suitablyrigidly mounted within the housing 53 on the upstream side of screen 61.As illustrated, the float switch arrangement may be affixed to thebaffle 58. Wires 67 connect the electrical contacts 66 and 65 to anelectrical feedthrough 68 mounted in the wall of housing 53.

In the arrangement of FIG. 7 an additional float operated switchcomprising float member 69, electrical contact 71 and electrical contact72 is positioned within the housing 53 on the upstream side of screen61. The electrical contacts 71 and 72 are connected by wires 73 to theelectrical feedthrough 68 in the wall of housing 53.

In operation, the principal of the float switch comprising float members64, electrical contact 65 and electrical contact 66 is the same as withrespect to the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6. That is, as suspended solidsfrom the effluent collect on screen 61 they cause the fluid level torise, ultimately causing electrical contact 65 to contact electricalcontact 66, causing an indication or signal in suitable signalcircuitry, such as a power supply and light, electrically coupled to theelectrical feedthrough 68.

The principal of the float operated switch comprising float member 69,electrical contact 71 and electrical contact 72 is similar, except thatthis float operated switch can be utilized to provide an indication tothe homeowner that the effluent disposal field to which outlet 57 isconnected is completely saturated. That is, if the fluid level at theoutlet 57 rises, due, for example, to complete fluid saturation of theeffluent disposal field, the rising fluid level will cause float 69 tocarry electrical contact 71 upwards into contact with electrical contact72. A suitable signaling arrangement, such as a power source and a lightelectrically coupled through electrical feedthrough 68 to the wire 73,can then be activated. Such a signal could serve as a warning to thehomeowner that the effluent disposal field was saturated, so that thehomeowner would know not to discharge more waste into the septic systemuntil this condition was alleviated.

It should be clear by now that the present invention is advantageous inthat it provides a monitor that is entirely separate from the septictank. Thus the monitor can be easily accessible for servicing, and canbe easily applied to existing septic tank installations.

While the present invention has been described with reference to presentparticularly preferred embodiments thereof, it is obvious that variousmodifications may be made to the precise embodiments disclosed hereinwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. In an effluent disposal system including anupstream septic tank, a downstream effluent disposal field, and pipinginterconnecting the septic tank to the disposal field, a septic monitorinterposed in the interconnecting piping for monitoring suspended solidsin the effluent passing through the interconnecting piping comprising,ahousing having an inlet and an outlet for coupling to theinterconnecting piping, screening means mounted in said housing forcontinuously intercepting effluent flow therethrough, with suspendedsolids in the effluent being continuously collected on the upstream sideof said screening means, said screening means being removable forperiodic servicing, and automatic indicating means automaticallyresponsive to an increased effluent level in said housing upstream ofsaid screening means caused by a predetermined accumulation of suspendedsolids on said screening means to automatically provide an indicationthat the effluent disposal system requires servicing.
 2. A septicmonitor in accordance with claim 1 in which said automatic indicatingmeans comprises float operated signaling means adjacent said screeningmeans upstream thereof and responsive to an increased level of effluentin said housing due to collection of suspended solids on said screeningmeans, to provide the indication.
 3. A septic monitor in accordance withclaim 1 in which said housing is buried in the ground and includes aportion thereof extending adjacent the surface of the ground forfacilitating periodic access to said housing for periodic servicing ofsaid screening means.
 4. A septic monitor in accordance with claim 3 inwhich said housing is comprised of a selectable number of verticallyinterlocking sections, for facilitating providing a housing portionadjacent the ground surface for any particular depth of theinterconnecting piping beneath the ground surface.
 5. A septic monitorin accordance with claim 2 including additional float operated signalingmeans downstream of said screening means adjacent said outlet of saidhousing, for providing an additional signal in response to apredetermined effluent depth on the downstream side of said screeningmeans as an indication of saturation of the effluent disposal field.